Air Ride

[stev]

So, I have been looking at some used tractors lately. The vast majority of the ones available seem to be air ride, which leaves me with some questions.

How long is the life time of the bags? When looking at a 15 year old truck, i wonder how many years are left before i will need to get them replaced.

Is there special maintenance needed for them to make sure that they hold up well?

How much do the replacement bags cost?

Thanx.

[QCDriver]

So, I have been looking at some used tractors lately. The vast majority of the ones available seem to be air ride, which leaves me with some questions.

How long is the life time of the bags? When looking at a 15 year old truck, i wonder how many years are left before i will need to get them replaced.

Is there special maintenance needed for them to make sure that they hold up well?

How much do the replacement bags cost?

Thanx.

I've seen the air bags last the life of the truck. They cost from around $150-250 depends on the style. Maintenance?? Good clean air, keep clean. Maybe some other things, that I do not know. I do hope to learn from others on the maintenace of air bags if any.

[Gambi80]

I replaced one on my truck a year or so ago and it was about $150. Three bolts and an air fitting was all it took.

I think the main thing is if you pull a dump trailer or do anything where the weight is removed rather quickly, is to dump the air out of the suspension before you unload to keep from over-extending the bags and shocks.

I don't think there's any method to 'maintaining' them. If you have a day cab, look out your back window as you're driving down the road and watch the beating the suspension takes. I think it's amazing things last as long as they do.